Charleston, SC Region

Comprised of three counties – Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester – the Charleston region is a highly diverse market, advantageously located on the Atlantic coast half-way between New York and Miami. The region, which covers more than 3,100 square miles (8,192 kilometers), combines a thriving economy, rich history and breathtaking environment to ofer an outstanding business climate and a quality of life that is second to none.

The Charleston metro’s economy has transformed over the past decade from service-based to STEM-based, thanks in large part, to Boeing, Mercedes, Volvo and many others calling our region home. Charleston ranks number 20 among the nation’ s top 100 metros for growth in the Advanced Industry Sector, according to the Advanced Industries Study by the Brookings Institution, which examines growth in STEM-intensive occupations including logistics and transportation, advanced manufacturing and healthcare. The growth of this sector is helping to fuel the region’s overall economic growth and transform the economy from a service-based to skills-based job market. Advanced Industry jobs are among the nation’s fastest growing and highest paying.

Charleston Harbor will soon be the deepest port on the East Coast of the U.S. – all in time to welcome Post Panamax ships 24/7. There is no question that the Charleston metro is a profoundly different place than it was 25 years ago when the economy was centered on the nation’s third largest Navy Base. And there is no doubt that we will be profoundly different a decade from now when Boeing, Volvo and Mercedes are all fully operational with their supply chains in place and our airport and port are offering thriving logistics and transportation options to reach the global supply chain. Charleston has earned its place on the global map as a visitor destination and now we are also recognized as a global business destination.

-Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce